Bi-directional gender changing rotary connection for luminaire

ABSTRACT

An elongated lighting module having an asymmetric illumination source formed from at least two rows of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that extend along the long axis of the module and are independently controllable. The illumination source is rectangular and oriented so that the rows of LEDs extend along the long axis of the module. The module has couplings at each end that allow additional modules to be interconnected to each other and to a central mount, thereby avoiding the need for a support pole having cross-arms. The lighting modules are powered via a wiring harness that extends down a support pole to a power converter stack having LED drivers to control the modules.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/940,644, filed on Nov. 26, 2019, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to sports lighting systems and, more specifically, to a modular luminaire having rotary connections for bi-directional movement.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional sports lighting systems rely on individual luminaires that are mounted along the cross-arms of a support pole. Each luminaire contains the requisite power conversion and supply electronics and is individually oriented to direct a generally circular beam of light across the area to be illuminated, such as a sporting field or similar venue. As a result, the lighting system requires significant manual intervention during installation and use. For example, individuals must scale the support pole to access the luminaires, whether for establishing or correcting the orientation of the luminaire, for servicing the components of the luminaire, or for replacing a defective luminaire. As establishing the correct lighting pattern for a sporting field upon installation of a lighting system typically requires significant readjustment and realignment of the luminaires, the amount of manual intervention required by conventional systems can be significant. Moreover, there is often a need to adjust the lighting system after installation. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for lighting system that can be more easily adjusted upon installation and during use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a modular lighting system comprised a plurality of asymmetric lighting modules that can be physically and electrically interconnected to each other at the top of a support pole without the need for cross-arms. More specifically, the lighting module, or luminaire, has a housing extending from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis and defining a longitudinal opening in alignment with an illumination source, a first coupler positioned at the first end of the housing and having a first cylindrical portion extending longitudinally outward from the housing and a first flange extending radially outwardly from the first cylindrical portion, and a second coupler positioned at the second end of the housing and having a second cylindrical portion extending longitudinally outward from the housing and a second flange extending radially outwardly from the second cylindrical portion. The first cylindrical portion defines an outwardly facing bearing surface and has an end face having a first set of electrical contacts. The first cylindrical portion has an internal bore that permits access to a second set of electrical contacts positioned within the bore. The first set of electrical contacts are interconnected to the second set of electrical contacts internally of the housing. The illumination source is interconnected the first set of electrical contacts and the second set of electrical contacts such that a source of power coupled to either of the first set of electrical contacts and the second set of electrical contacts will provide power to the illumination source and the other of the first set of electrical contacts and the second set of electrical contacts. The first set of electrical contacts and the second set of electrical contacts define a plurality of electrically independent pathways. The illumination source includes a plurality of light sources, each of which is associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of electrically independent pathways.

The present invention also comprises a lighting system having a first luminaire having a first housing with a first illumination source, a first coupler positioned at an end of the first housing, and a second coupler positioned at an opposing end the first housing, and a second luminaire having a second housing with a second illumination source, a third coupler positioned at an end of the housing, and a fourth coupler positioned at an opposing end the second housing. The first luminaire is coupled to the second luminaire so that the first illumination source is electrically interconnected to the second illumination source. The first luminaire is coupled to the second luminaire by the first coupler and the fourth coupler. The first coupler has a first cylindrical portion extending longitudinally outward and a first flange extending radially outwardly from the first cylindrical portion, the second coupler has a second cylindrical portion extending longitudinally outward and a second flange extending radially outwardly from the second cylindrical portion, the third coupler has a third cylindrical portion extending longitudinally outward and a third flange extending radially outwardly from the third cylindrical portion, and the fourth coupler has a fourth cylindrical portion extending longitudinally outward and a fourth flange extending radially outwardly from the fourth cylindrical portion. The first coupler and the fourth coupler are coupled together by a clamp positioned in covering relation to the first flange and the fourth flange. The first cylindrical portion of the first coupler defines an outwardly facing bearing surface and has an end face having a first set of electrical contacts. The fourth cylindrical portion of the fourth coupler has an internal bore that permits access to a second set of electrical contacts positioned within the bore. The first set of electrical contacts are interconnected to the second set of electrical contacts. A source of power may be coupled to the second connector. The source of power is coupled to the first illumination source and the second illumination source by a first plurality of electrically independent pathways extending through the first luminaire and a second plurality of electrically independent pathways extending through the second luminaire.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an asymmetric source sports lighting system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper portion of a support pole of an asymmetric source sports lighting system according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the asymmetric lighting source for a lighting module according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a mechanical view of the light emitting diode (LED) layout for an asymmetric lighting source according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is schematic of the electronics for an asymmetric lighting source according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a lighting module according to the present invention having a lens array thereon;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the male and female couplers of a lighting module according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the male and female couplers of a lighting module according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a coupler clamp for securing lighting modules to each other according to the present invention

FIG. 10 is cross-sectional view of a lighting module to lighting module connection according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an electrical diagram of a lighting module to lighting module connection according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is two perspective views of a mount according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an electrical diagram of a lighting module to mount connection according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing axial rotation of a series of interconnected lighting modules according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a controller stack according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a core enclosure according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 is high level schematic for a lighting system according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a detailed schematic of a master controller according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a detailed schematic of a core enclosure according to the present invention

FIG. 20 is a schematic of wireless monitoring and control approach according to the present invention; and

FIG. 21 is a schematic of beam steering using a lighting system according to the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a schematic of beam angles changes using a lighting system according to the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a schematic of tunable cut-off in a lighting system according to the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an environmental sealing system for a lighting module according to the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a front view of an environmental sealing system for a lighting module according to the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a side view of a micro-lens for a lighting module according to the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a first view of illumination steering using a lens array according to the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a second view of illumination steering using a lens array according to the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a third view of illumination steering using a lens array according to the present invention; and

FIG. 30 is a fourth view of illumination steering using a lens array according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the figures, wherein like numeral refer to like parts throughout, there is seen in FIG. 1 an asymmetric source sports lighting system 10 according to the present invention. System 10 is designed for installation on a support pole 12 to provide illumination over a target area 14, such as a sporting field or pitch. System includes one or more rows of light emitting diode (LED) lighting modules 20 that extend laterally from support pole 12. Lighting modules 20 are powered via a wiring harness 22 that extends along the interior of support pole 12 and is coupled to a controller stack 24. Controller stack 24 transforms local building power from AC to DC and includes LED drivers 26 for lighting modules 20.

Referring to FIG. 2, a central mount 30 is coupled to pole 12 and used to support first and second lighting modules 20. Lighting modules 20 are coupled to either side of mount 30 using a modular coupling system described herein that physically supports modules 20 and electronically interconnects modules 20 to wiring harness 22 and thus controller stack 24. The opposing end of each lighting module 20 coupled to mount 30 may be used to physically support and electronically interconnect to additional lighting modules 20 extending further outwardly from support pole 12. The combination of lighting modules 20 connected to mount 30 and the additional lighting modules 20 extending to either side of pole 12 are self-supporting so that support pole 12 does not need to include physical cross-arms or lateral supports to mount additional lighting modules 20. The particular dimensions of lighting module 20 may be varied as desired. For example, lighting module 20 could be provided in two lengths, X and 2X, that may be mixed and matches as needed for a particular installation.

Referring to FIG. 3, each lighting module 20 includes a housing 40 extending along a longitudinal axis X-X. Housing 40 defines a rectangular opening 42 in a central portion thereof that permits access to an asymmetric illumination source 44. Asymmetric illumination source 44 is dimensioned to produce an asymmetric beam of illumination from rectangular opening 42 of module 20. Housing 40 may further include fins 46 or other external structures for dispersing heat generated by the use of asymmetric illumination source 44.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, asymmetric illumination source 44 comprises multiple rows 50 of light emitting diode (LED) sets 52 spaced along a substrate 54 and coupled to electronic circuitry 56 for asymmetrically driving illumination source 44. Each row 50, or optionally, each pair of rows 50, are independently controllable by adjusting the amount of power delivered to that row (or pair or rows) using electronic circuitry 56 and controller stack 24 to provide asymmetric illumination from module 20. Optionally, a local microcontroller in each module 20 can be for further adjustment of the amount of power provided to each row (or pair or rows) of LED sets. As seen in FIG. 5, asymmetric illumination source 44 having three independently controllable rows 50 of LED sets 52. Electronic circuitry 56 further includes pass-through circuitry 58 for providing power to adjacently connected lighting modules 20 that also include independently controlled rows 50 of LED sets 52. In the example of FIG. 5, a total of two additional lighting modules 20 may be interconnected and supported by circuitry 58.

Referring to FIG. 6, a molded lens array 60 is positioned over an asymmetric illumination source 44 to reduce harshness and provide sealing of asymmetric illumination source 44 within housing 40. Housing 40 of module 20 is further configured to allow for easy coupling to the support pole and to other housings 40, forming both structural and electrical connection. Housing 40 includes a male coupler 70 positioned at one end of housing 40 and a female coupler 72 positioned at an opposing end of housing 40. Male coupler 70 is defined by a a radially extending flange 74 and a circumferentially extending, outwardly facing bearing surface 76. Female coupler 72 includes a correspondingly dimensioned flange 78 and a receptacle 82 defining a circumferentially extending, inwardly facing bearing surface 77.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, female coupler 72 further includes a set of brush contacts 84 positioned in receptacle 82 that face outwardly along axis X-X and male coupler 70 includes an end face 86 supporting set of ring contacts 88 that face outwardly in the opposite direction along axis X-X from brush contacts 84. Male coupler 70 may additionally include grooves 90 formed therein to house an O-ring for sealing purposes. It should be recognized that other contacts may be used, such as pogo pins and the like. As detailed below, brush contacts 84 and ring contacts 88 define a plurality of independent pathways for powering the independently controlled rows 50 of LED sets 52.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a clamp 92 may be positioned and secured in covering relation to flanges 74 and 80 to secure a first module 20 a to a second module 20 b when male coupler 70 and female coupler 72 are full joined so that bearing surfaces 76 and 77 are in seated together and brush contacts 84 and ring contacts 88 are in contact and electrically engaged. Clamp 92 comprises a pair of jaws 100 and 102 that can be opened and then closed in covering relation to flanges 74 and 80, as seen in FIG. 10, when male coupler 70 of one module 20 a is jointed with and seated inside female coupler 72 of an adjacent module 20 b. When male coupler 70 is fully inserted into female coupler 72, flanges 74 and 80 will abut and brush contacts 84 will physically and electrically engage ring contacts 88. Clamp 92 may then be closed over flanges 74 and 80 to secure first module 20 a to second module 20 b using a latch 104 on one jaw 102 that cooperates with a slot 106 in the other jaw 100, with electrical continuity between first module 20 a to second module 20 b provided via the engagement of ring contacts 88 with brush contacts 84. Adjacent modules 20 may thus be electrically interconnected when coupled together so that each module 20 has multiple independent electrical power pathways for driving the independently controllable LED rows of asymmetric illumination source 44.

Referring to FIG. 11, module 20 b is electrically interconnected to module 20 a so that LED circuitry 118 b of module 20 b and LED circuitry 118 a of module 20 a are coupled together and under common power control. For example, coupler 70 b of module 20 b includes coupler circuitry 112 b that can receive power from ring contacts 88. Coupler circuitry 112 b is coupled to LED circuitry 118 b via cabling 114 b. LED circuitry 118 b is also coupled to coupler circuitry 110 b associated with female coupler 72 b via cabling 114 b. As a result, independent power pathways for LED circuitry 118 b extend through module 20 b and are available at coupler 70 b and coupler 72 b such as that a power supply connected to coupler 70 will also provide power to coupler 72, and vice versa. As further seen in FIG. 11, module 20 a can be electrically coupled to module 20 b via a coupler 70 a that is secured to coupler 72 b. Coupler circuitry 112 a of module 20 a is coupled to LED circuitry 114 a via cabling 114 a. Although not illustrated for simplicity, it should be evident that module 20 a also include a coupler 72 a that can be, in turn, coupled to another module 20, and so on, with the power supply for all housings 20 connected to an available coupler 70 or 72 at either end. Thus, module 20 is bi-directional and can be placed in series with additional housings 20 for common power control.

Referring to FIG. 12, mount 30 for attaching one or more housings 20 to a support pole 12 comprises a mounting plate 94 having a shaft 96 extending therefrom to support a main body 98 having male coupler 70 on one side and a female coupler 72 on the opposing side. Mount 30 suspends module 20 in spaced relation to support pole 12 to which mount 30 is attached. Male coupler 70 and female coupler 72 are configured in same manner as described above with respect to module 20, i.e., male coupler 70 includes an end face 86 having concentric ring contacts 88 and female coupler 72 has brush contacts 84 positioned within receptacle 82. Male coupler further includes flange 74 and female coupler 72 includes flange 80. As a result, module 20 may be coupled to mount 30 in the same manner as described above with respect to the connection of module 20 a to module 20 b.

Referring to FIG. 13, joining of mount 30 to module 20 allows coupler circuitry 110 of female coupler 72 of mount 30 to connect with coupler circuitry 112 of male coupler 70 of module 20 via brush contacts 84 and ring contacts 88. Coupler circuitry 112 is coupled to LED circuitry 118 via cabling 114. LED circuitry 118 is also coupled to coupler circuitry 110 associated with female coupler 72 via cabling 114. As a result, independent power pathways for LED circuitry 118 b extend through module 20 from mount 30 and are available at coupler 70 such that a power supply connected to coupler 72 will also provide power to coupler 70. Similarly, module 20 may also be connected to the male coupler 70 of mount 30 using female coupler 72 of module 20, thus simply reversing the connections of FIG. 13 such that power is provided by mount 30 to coupler 72 with the power also made available at coupler 70 for attachment of another module 20.

Referring to FIG. 14, cylindrical bearing surfaces of male coupler 70 and female coupler 72 allows adjacent lighting modules 20, as well as lighting modules 20 coupled to mount 30, to be rotated about longitudinal axis X-X. The orientation of the rectangular illumination provided by module 20 may thus be adjusted in a single direction, i.e., about a single axis, via rotation of lighting module 20 about axis X-X. As explained above, bearing surfaces 76 and 77 allow for physical rotation of housings 20, with brush contacts 84 and ring contacts 88 maintaining electrical continuity regardless of the rotation of housing about longitudinal axis X-X. Housings 20 may thus be easily oriented, or reoriented, as desired. While housings 20 may be manually adjusted at any time, servo motors could be incorporated into couplers 70 and 72 to allow for remote rotation of lighting modules 20 about axis X-X.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, controller stack 24 comprises a series of core enclosures 132, each of which houses the power conversion and LED electronics, typically referred to as LED drivers, for an associated lighting module 20, as well as a master enclosure 140 that provides housekeeping functions. Controller stack 24 includes a back plane 134 that provides the electrical interconnections between each core enclosure 132 and master enclosure 140 as well as the requisite interconnections to wiring harness 22 to interconnect controller stack 24 to lighting modules 20. Back plane 134 is preferably adapted to act as a heat sink and transfer excess heat to support pole 12 for additional dispersion of heat generated by controller stack 24. As seen in FIG. 16, core enclosure 132 and/or master enclosure 140 include ribs 136 for dissipation of heat generated by internal electrical components positioned in a central cavity 138.

Referring to FIG. 17, each core enclosure 132 a, 132 b . . . 132 n is associated with and coupled via wiring harness 22 to a corresponding lighting module 20 a, 20 b . . . 20 n. Preferable, a backup core enclosure 132 z is selectively coupled to each lighting module 20 a, 20 b . . . 20 n via a switching circuit 133 to provide a backup power supply in the event of a fault in any of core enclosure 132 a, 132 b . . . 132 n. For example, if a fault in any core enclosure 132 results in the loss of illumination from any or all of the independently controlled rows 50 of LED sets 52 in the corresponding lighting module 20, power to that lighting module 20 can be switched to the backup core enclosure 132 z to maintain the desired amount of illumination until such time as the faulty core enclosure 132 can be repaired or replaced. Each core enclosure 132 a, 132 b . . . 132 n is also interconnected to master enclosure 140, which supervises and controls via digital commands the local operation of each core enclosure 132 a, 132 b . . . 132 n.

Referring to FIG. 18, master enclosure 140 is coupled to AC power via a power and signal connector 158 and includes local AC/DC conversion 142 with input power monitoring 144 as well as surge protection and waveform correction 146. Master enclosure 140 also includes a controller/processor 148 that has sensor inputs 150 for monitoring of system 10. Controller/processor 148 is also interconnected to a series of expansion headers 152 and wireless communication interface 156 via a field programmable gate array (FPGA) 154. Controller/processor 148 may thus be programmed to establish connection with a remotely positioned host system or remote device (such as a tablet or smartphone) that can provide commands controlling operation of lighting modules 20 using expansion headers 152 to provide the desired wireless connectivity. Communication could comprise any conventional wireless communication technology or protocol, such as WiFi, Blutetooth®, BLE, ZigBee, Z-Wave, 6loWPAN, NFC, cellular such as 4G, 5G or LTE, RFID, LoRA, LoRaWAN, Sigfox, NB-IoT, or LIDAR. Controller/processor 148 is also coupled via power and signal connector 158 for communication with core enclosures 132, such as via a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) line 160, extending in back plane 134.

Referring to FIG. 19, each core enclosure 132 includes a power and signal connector 170, which provides connectivity to master enclosure 140 via GPIO line 160 as well as to a connection to AC power. Core enclosure 132 provides power conversion to DC and power conditioning via an EMI filter 172, an inrush protection circuit 174 and an active power factor corrector (PFC) 176. A plurality of isolated DC/DC circuits 178, each of which supports a corresponding one of independently controllable LED rows of asymmetric illumination source 44, are coupled to active PFC 176. The present invention is illustrated with three isolated DC/DC circuits because the exemplary illumination source 44 has three independently powered rows of LEDs, but if asymmetric illumination source 44 included four independently controlled rows 50 of LED sets 52, four isolated DC/DC circuits 178 would be included. Core enclosure 132 further comprises an isolated auxiliary output 180 coupled to a microprocessor 182. Microprocessor 182 is further coupled to primary sensing circuits 184 and secondary sensing circuits 186 for monitoring voltage, current, power factor, and temperature across system 10. Microprocessor 182 is further configured to adjust the power output from each of the plurality of isolated DC/DC circuits 178 based on monitoring of primary sensing circuits 184 and secondary sensing circuits 186. For example, if one of independently controlled rows 50 of LED sets 52 is not operational, microprocessor 182 can adjust the power output from the isolated DC/DC circuits 178 for the other of the independently controlled rows 50 of LED sets 52 to compensate for the loss and ensure that asymmetric illumination source 44 is providing the desired amount of illumination.

Referring to FIG. 20, the wireless communication capability of master enclosure 140 provides a third layer of redundancy in the event of a partial or total loss of illumination from lighting module 20. For example, a detected loss at one location of system 10 a may be communicated to wireless gateway 190 and remote host 192. The illumination output of another system 10 b may then be adjusted accordingly, either by allowing a user to send a command to system 10 b to adjust power to lighting modules 20 to compensate for the detected loss or by supervisory software residing on host 192 that automatically sends the appropriate commands.

Referring to FIG. 21, asymmetric illumination source 44 of each module 20 allows for remote beam steering of lighting system 10. Lighting system 10 may be adapted to a particular installation regarding of the width of the pitch to be illuminated, the height of support pole 12, and the distance between support pole 12 and the targeted pitch. For example, asymmetric illumination source 44 may be driven to change the beam angle (generally recognized as the region of illumination with at least fifty percent of the maximum beam strength) to provide the appropriate amount of illumination between a minimum and maximum spread angle encountered in an installation. In the first scenario of FIG. 19, where the height of support pole 12 and setback distance require a minimum spread angle, asymmetric illumination source 44 can be driven asymmetrically in a first configuration to provide a narrow beam angle without having to physically reorient modules 20. In the last scenario, where the height of pole 12 and setback distance require a minimum spread angle, asymmetric illumination source 44 can be driven asymmetrically in a different configuration to provide a broader spread angle without having to physically reorient modules 20. Thus, the effective positioning of modules 20 can be adjusted without actually having to physically reorient modules 20. Thus, modules 20 may be asymmetrically driven to change the illumination scenario for different events or conditions, or to simply adjust the illumination in a given location without having to physically move lighting modules 20. FIG. 20 illustrates how the power control over each row 50 of asymmetric illumination source 44 can be adjusted to impact the beam angle emitted from lighting module 20 without having to rotate lighting module 20.

Referring to FIG. 23, asymmetric illumination source 44 of each lighting module 20 provides for a tunable cut-off for the illumination generated from lighting module 20. Illumination cut-off generally refers to the amount of illumination in the beam field that extends beyond the desired beam angle (any area of illumination with less than fifty percent but more than ten percent of the maximum beam strength). For example, in the first scenario of FIG. 23, the cut-off is very sharp, i.e., there is very little spillage beyond the main beam angle. In the second and third scenarios, the spillage increases such that more illumination is provided ancillary to the primary beam angle. Asymmetric illumination source 44 may be driven to change the cut-off at any time, whether finally upon installation, or dynamically over time to change the lighting scheme as desired by a user for different applications. For example, a gradual cut-off may be selected when more light is desired in the areas surrounding a pitch for a particular event, such as a pre-game show, and then adjusted to provide a sharp cut-off during a game. Thus, asymmetric illumination source 44 allows for control over both the beam angle and the beam field relative to each other and relative to the illumination target.

Referring to FIG. 24, lighting module 20 may be constructed using a housing 240 that encloses an asymmetric illumination source 244 and is environmentally sealed prior to attachment of lens array 260. As seen in FIG. 25, housing 240 includes a resilient optical layer 248 positioned over asymmetric illumination source 244 and captured within rectangular opening 242 to seal housing 240 from environmental infiltration. As a result, lens array 260 may be attached or removed from housing 240 in the field, such as to adjust the optical conditioning being provided, without compromising the environmental integrity of housing 240. Optical layer 248 is preferably formed from a moldable optical silicone, such as SILASTIC® MS-1002 moldable silicone and related moldable silicone compounds. As seen in FIG. 26, optical layer 248 may include micro-lenses 262 molded therein and in alignment with each LED set 252 of asymmetric illumination source 244. Optical layer 248 thus performs pre-modulation of the illumination from lighting module 20. Micro-lenses 262 allow for finer optical texturing than with lens array 260 alone. In addition, as lens array 260 does not need to perform as much optical conditioning, lens array 260 can be smaller and thus lighter than otherwise possible.

Referring to FIGS. 27 through 30, lighting module 20 may be outfitted with lens array 60 configured that steers illumination into three, four, or five different regions. For example, each particular installation may include a different number of support poles 12, so an appropriate lens array 60 distributing illumination into three, four, or five different regions may be used. As is known in the field, illumination from each support pole 12 may need to overlap with illumination for other support poles 12 to provide the desired illumination, reduce or control shadowing, etc. As seen in FIG. 30, lighting module 20 can provide a wide or narrow area of illumination using variously designed lens arrays 60 to steer illumination between a minimum and maximum distribution angle.

As described above, the present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computer program associated therewith and is described herein with reference to flowcharts and block diagrams of methods and systems. The flowchart and block diagrams illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer programs of the present invention. It should be understood that each block of the flowcharts and block diagrams can be implemented by computer readable program instructions in software, firmware, or dedicated analog or digital circuits. These computer readable program instructions may be implemented on the processor of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine that implements a part or all of any of the blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams. Each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical functions. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, or combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A luminaire, comprising: a housing extending from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis and defining a longitudinal opening in alignment with an illumination source; a first coupler positioned at the first end of the housing and having a first cylindrical portion extending longitudinally outward from the housing and a first flange extending radially outwardly from the first cylindrical portion, wherein the first cylindrical portion defines an outwardly facing bearing surface and has an end face having a first set of electrical contacts; and a second coupler positioned at the second end of the housing and having a second cylindrical portion extending longitudinally outward from the housing and a second flange extending radially outwardly from the second cylindrical portion, wherein the second cylindrical portion has an internal bore that permits access to a second set of electrical contacts positioned within the internal bore.
 2. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the first set of electrical contacts are interconnected to the second set of electrical contacts internally of the housing.
 3. The luminaire of claim 2, wherein the illumination source is interconnected the first set of electrical contacts and the second set of electrical contacts such that a source of power coupled to either of the first set of electrical contacts and the second set of electrical contacts will provide power to the illumination source and the other of the first set of electrical contacts and the second set of electrical contacts.
 4. The luminaire of claim 3, wherein the first set of electrical contacts and the second set of electrical contacts define a plurality of electrically independent pathways.
 5. The luminaire of claim 4, wherein the illumination source includes a plurality of light sources, each of which is associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of electrically independent pathways.
 6. A lighting system, comprising: a first luminaire having a first housing with a first illumination source, a first coupler positioned at an end of the first housing, and a second coupler positioned at an opposing end the first housing; a second luminaire having a second housing with a second illumination source, a third coupler positioned at an end of the housing, and a fourth coupler positioned at an opposing end the second housing; wherein the first luminaire is coupled to the second luminaire by the first coupler and the fourth coupler so that the first illumination source is electrically interconnected to the second illumination source; wherein the first coupler has a first cylindrical portion extending longitudinally outward and a first flange extending radially outwardly from the first cylindrical portion, the second coupler has a second cylindrical portion extending longitudinally outward and a second flange extending radially outwardly from the second cylindrical portion, the third coupler has a third cylindrical portion extending longitudinally outward and a third flange extending radially outwardly from the third cylindrical portion, and the fourth coupler has a fourth cylindrical portion extending longitudinally outward and a fourth flange extending radially outwardly from the fourth cylindrical portion; wherein the first cylindrical portion of the first coupler defines an outwardly facing bearing surface and has an end face having a first set of electrical contacts and the fourth cylindrical portion of the fourth coupler has an internal bore that permits access to a second set of electrical contacts positioned within the bore; and wherein the first coupler and the fourth coupler are coupled together by a clamp positioned in covering relation to the first flange and the fourth flange.
 7. The lighting system of claim 6, wherein the first set of electrical contacts are interconnected to the second set of electrical contacts.
 8. The lighting system of claim 7, further comprising a source of power coupled to the second connector.
 9. The lighting system of claim 8, wherein the source of power is coupled to the first illumination source and the second illumination source by a first plurality of electrically independent pathways extending through the first luminaire and a second plurality of electrically independent pathways extending through the second luminaire. 